Gov. Patrick celebrates wind energy farm in Florida, Monroe

Gov. Deval Patrick and state Energy and state energy officials on Monday visited the 19-turbine Hoosac Wind Power project in the western Massachusetts towns of Florida and Monroe.

Officials say the wind farm on track to be completed by year's end will produce enough power for more than 10,000 homes a year and offset about 64 million pounds of carbon dioxide released by traditional electrical generation.

The project is also expected to generate about $6.8 million in tax revenue for the towns.

But not all local residents are happy. Opponents who formed a group called Friends of Florida and Monroe say they worry the turbines will bring noise and possible adverse health effects, and lower the property values of nearby residents.

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